Daily Bible Study for February 17th

 

Reading for February 17th

Chapter 7 - Shooting Below the Waterline

Chapter Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:2-3

“So how do people of faith navigate waters far more troubled than they ever imagined possible? What do Christians do when persecution is suddenly upon them? When such times come, how do we respond to our detractors, accusers, slanderers, and persecutors?” pg. 40

“Satan wants the church distracted, divided, ineffective, and consumed with non-missional things. One of those things is interior conflict.” pg 41

This week, as we dive into the topic of conflict in and around the church, we’ll recognize even more ways that Satan attempts to divide and distract us. Before we head down that path, however, let’s examine a simple question, “Why does it matter?” 

At Christ Church, our main worship space is known as the “sanctuary.” It is here where we strive to give our community excellent worship, teaching, fellowship, and an opportunity to draw close to God. Of course, this isn’t just relegated to the sanctuary space, but extends into the entire church. We never know what someone is facing when they walk through the doors of Christ Church. A person may be going through catastrophic loss, an entrenched addiction, a loss of hope, or some other distraction from worship. Thus, they may already have plenty trying to take them away from connecting with Jesus Christ. We (the collective community) don’t need to add anything to a bad situation. 

When we contribute to Satan’s attempts to distract and divide the church, the damage is threefold. We harm ourselves and our witness, we limit the effectiveness within our community, and we limit the evangelistic capability of our church. 

As Rev. Shane leads us this week into some practical options for navigating conflict within the church, let’s begin with a prayer of repentance that I found from explainingthebible.com.

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a repentant heart, burdened by my sins and the ways I have strayed from your commandments. I confess my transgressions and ask for your forgiveness.

Lord, I recognize that my sins separate me from you and hinder my relationship with you. I am sorry for the ways I have hurt others, disobeyed your word, and turned away from your will. I acknowledge my need for your grace and mercy.

Help me, Lord, to turn away from my sins and to walk in the ways of righteousness. Give me the strength and determination to resist temptation and to choose your ways over my own desires. Renew my heart and mind, that I may be transformed and aligned with your perfect will.

Thank you, Father, for your unfailing love and forgiveness. Grant me the wisdom and discernment to learn from my mistakes and to grow in faith. May my life be a testimony of your redeeming power and may I bring honor and glory to your name.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Our links for this week include additional prayers of repentance, a series of commentaries on Matthew 18, and finally, a clip from “The Chosen” where Peter is taught about forgiveness, inspired by Matthew 18. Take a look!

https://tinyurl.com/linksforfebruary17th